About

The Story

This KickStarter campaign is probably unlike any other that's been done for a musical artist like myself. I'll explain why in a moment, but first let me tell you why I am a different kind of musical artist... Everyday, many of us go through our lives thinking, "If only I could... " or "What if things were different... " But not me. I make things and I make things happen. Recently, I had a brief brush with fame when I successfully made it to the Bootcamp round of X-Factor USA 2011. I received 4 yeses from the toughest judges in the world on the toughest stage in the world. In Chicago, Simon Cowell called my performance of Radiohead's Creep, "Genius".

But when I was cut at the next round, I definitely did not take it well. I knew I had a lot more in me. More talent, more music, more performances... I felt like I was receiving a death sentence. I think what most people saw on TV was that I fell to the floor crying. However, what I remember is that I got up. Instead of staying on the floor waiting for a stretcher or some BS like that. I got up off the floor. At that moment, I became a new person.

It was a deeply humbling and somewhat embarrassing experience for me, but I did not give up. For over a year now, I've been working to bring you and the universe the best music I can. Because of this effort, and working to find the right people, I've now received the attention of some respected industry professionals, including some major label and publishing representatives who are waiting to see what I will do next. I've decided producing this LP is that next step. If you were a fan of my TV performance and upset or let down because X-Factor didn't keep me on the show longer, now is your chance to take action and change things without having to rely on judges in Hollywood.

Help me maintain the momentum I started on X Factor, so I can get to the next level and prove to you and to the judges, that they were right about me. I won the support of all 4 judges then, and now I'm asking for your support.

This is where you come in.

Getting a major label deal today is harder than ever. Not only do I need to be a great performer and recording artist, I need to show them I have fans out there who believe in me and my vision as an artist. People like yourself, friends, family, admirers, believers. People willing to take a chance on this vision to not only enrich my life, but to allow me to enrich yours with the gifts that I can share with you. This is why I must release this album now with your help. I've learned that the ability to create music is not only a gift, but a responsibility. A responsibility for me to enrich the lives of people of the world. A song to bring a smile, make a dance move, to console a tear or to empower the underprivileged. This is all a part of my vision as an artist. I want you to be a part of this vision with me by pledging what you can to this project.

Where is the money going?

I will use the funds of the kickstarter to pay for the following things: Pressing vinyl ($2400), T-Shirts ($500), Mousepads ($100), Photo printing ($500), and Studio recording expenses ($2,495).

FLEX GOALS

If I get $7000 worth of pledges, I will professionally master the album with a seasoned mastering engineer. If I get $8000 worth of pledges, I will buy a high quality anamorphic lens for my camera and then shoot a music video of the song, "A Little Bit More Win" with that lens which will be available for everyone to watch on YouTube. If I am able to reach the $10,000 mark, I will use the extra money to hire a professional production team to help me shoot the music video.

Risks and challenges

While I enjoy and welcome collaborations, I do not have to rely on an outside studio, musicians or engineers to see my project mixed and recorded. I am truly a solo artist. Thus, nothing, except my death, loss of my computer or severe maiming of my limbs will stand in the way of my ability to finish the music portions of this project. In terms of manufacturing and delivering the T-Shirts, mousepads, and vinyl, I will have to rely on an outside manufacturer. They are subject to the problems of any manufacturer, including but not limited to late shipments, faulty production, et al. I will do my best to research a manufacturer with high standards of production and a proven track record of on time deliveries. In the off chance that something does go wrong, I will make sure to get proper compensation so that I can deliver as soon as possible. If a delay occurs, I will inform you of this delay and get the rewards to you as soon as possible.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $50 or more
About $50

A physical copy of the "Win/Winter" LP in Vinyl (blank cover). The Vinyl LP will also include a bonus track of my version of "Creep" by Radiohead, which I performed during my X-Factor audition. (Creep will not be available digitally). This pledge level or above is the ONLY way to get "Creep." I do not plan a re-release of this song and I will not release it on itunes or any other digital platform. It is a thank you to my superfans who are willing to give a lot extra to help make things happen for me. Track breakdown: 8 song LP + Creep on Vinyl (9 tracks), all available for download, PLUS the Two bonus track downloads (not on vinyl) for a total of 11 songs. The Vinyl LP is limited edition and will be numbered between 1 and 300.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $75 or more
About $75

The limited edition "Win/Winter" Vinyl LP (includes "Creep"/blank cover), the full album download, two bonus track downloads, and I will also include a cool, printed, limited edition signed photograph that I personally took.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $100 or more
About $100

The "Win/Winter" Vinyl LP including "Creep". Two digital bonus tracks. The limited edition signed photograph that I personally took. A T-Shirt designed by J-Mark and I will personally draw original artwork on the cover of the album and sign the cover of the LP.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $250 or more
About $250

I will make a 30 second video that you can post to facebook, myspace, youtube, tumblr, etc. telling all your friends how awesome you are! Not to mention, you will also receive The "Win/Winter" Vinyl LP including "Creep". Two digital bonus tracks. The limited edition signed photograph that I personally took. A T-Shirt designed by J-Mark and I will personally draw original artwork on the cover of the album and sign the cover of the LP.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $500 or more
About $500

The "Win/Winter" Vinyl LP including "Creep". Two digital bonus tracks. The limited edition signed photograph that I personally took. A T-Shirt designed by J-Mark. I will personally draw original artwork on the cover of the album and sign the cover of the LP. Also, You can choose which number album (out of 300) you receive (Those who pledge the most money get first choice, followed by first come first serve, please message me your preference after pledging). AND I will also include a limited edition mousepad inspired by my song, "The Future of Marketing."

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $1,000 or more
About $1,000

I will write and record a song for you or your occasion and send you a link to download your personal song (all rights reserved). If you want a classical piece of music for your instrument or ensemble, instead of a recording, I will provide a written score. The Vinyl LP including "Creep". Two digital bonus tracks. The limited edition signed photograph that I personally took. A T-Shirt designed by J-Mark. I will personally draw original artwork on the cover of the album and sign the cover of the LP. Also, You can choose which number album (out of 300) you receive (Those who pledge the most money get first choice, followed by first come first serve, please message me your preference after pledging). I will also include the limited edition mousepad.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $2,500 or more
About $2,500

You will get listed in the acknowledgements section of the LP with a "very special thanks." I will also give you a signed and numbered (one of 20) version of the light painting self portrait photograph of me in Switzerland (pictured above). The Vinyl LP including "Creep". Two digital bonus tracks. The limited edition signed photograph that I personally took. A T-Shirt designed by J-Mark. I will personally draw original artwork on the cover of the album and sign the cover of the LP. Also, You can choose which number album (out of 300) you receive (Those who pledge the most money get first choice, followed by first come first serve, please message me your preference after pledging). The limited edition mousepad.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $5,000 or more
About $5,000

The Vinyl LP including "Creep". Two digital bonus tracks. The limited edition signed photograph that I personally took. A T-Shirt designed by J-Mark. I will personally draw original artwork on the cover of the album and sign the cover of the LP. Also, You can choose which number album (out of 300) you receive (Those who pledge the most money get first choice, followed by first come first serve, please message me your preference after pledging). The limited edition mousepad. The signed and numbered light painting of me in Switzerland (pictured above). Plus, you will receive the credit "Executive Producer" for the album. I will also personally perform for you up to 45 minutes, live in New England/New York including the song I write for you.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $10,000
About $10,000

The Vinyl LP including "Creep". Two digital bonus tracks. The limited edition signed photograph that I personally took. A T-Shirt designed by J-Mark. I will personally draw original artwork on the cover of the album and sign the cover of the LP. Also, You can choose which number album (out of 300) you receive (Those who pledge the most money get first choice, followed by first come first serve, please message me your preference after pledging). The limited edition mousepad. The signed and numbered light painting of me in Switzerland (pictured above). You will receive the credit "Executive Producer" for the album. Plus I will travel to you anywhere in the world to personally perform for you (up to 1 hour), including the song I write for you. I will treat you to dinner while reading from Hamlet and then write a poem about the experience for you. In addition, I will let you come up with a catch phrase that you can make me say whenever you trigger a button for a full 24 hours (No racial slurs or profanity). I will also offer you one of several of my paintings, watercolor, acrylic or oil, several of which have gallery provenance.